Turtle Mandala

by Catherine Fannon

Several weeks ago vulture told me he would pick the bones of my old self. So when he flew over as I  headed out toward the trails, I followed vulture on the first part of my walk. When I was indecisive, vulture appeared. 

I found a sit spot and had tea at the end of the meadow in a little glade. Yellowjacket told me it was time to go.  

I could hear water tumbling over rocks, and wandered through the trees to find creek, who gave me a  heart rock.  

Vulture led me to the next meadow, and meadow gifted me a turtle shell.  

I saw a goddess tree and realized that the goddess is born from the wounded bark. Mother Nature always wins, and survives in spite of the wounds. 

The long trail was, in fact, strenuous. The crows called out encouragement and I appreciated their support. 

My soul walk ended in my meadow with Holly. I was tired, but satisfied. I poured more tea and  discovered it was too strong for me to drink. I gave it to Holly as an offering: strong tea to thank her for her strength and shade. 

As I sat with Holly, the wind blew through the treetops and it sounded like applause. I heard congratulations for completing the walk, and staying with it even when it was hard. 

I learned that on this piece of land, I feel more nurtured by the meadows than the woods. I belong in the woods too, but the meadow holds a different kind of care. 

Turtle Mandala is the Soul Walk project of Catherine Fannon, FTS Certified Forest Therapy Guide, June 2021 cohort.

You can follow her on Facebook @ CatherineFannonYoga.